What Do We Have In Common?

Everyone is unique. Their DNA and their experiences make them unlike anyone else.

But, on the other hand, we all share things in common, simply by the nature of being human beings. What are those things we all share, despite the color of our skin, despite the political party we belong to, despite the language we speak, despite our economic class, and despite whatever god or gods we do or don’t believe in?

6 thoughts on “What Do We Have In Common?”

I run a project called “Free Portrait in Exchange for a Story” and often times people aren’t sure what to tell a story about. I give them examples like a story from their childhood, maybe the first time they did something (rode a bike, first kiss, etc.), maybe an accident that happened to you. These are the things that make us human.

Food and water always make the list as they are necessary to survive in the short-term.

Shelter is always included in the list of basics — which I think it should be. But as we all know, millions across the globe (e.g. our most sick and vulnerable, our lowest-income workers, refugees) lack basic shelter, rendering them homelessness.

What does it mean about humanity when presumed basic human needs are denied a significant part of our population? I am ashamed that humanity tolerates homelessness. How can it be that we lack the political will — that is, we fail to demand — more from our elected leaders who hold the ability to make dignified shelter a right?

Sometimes other needs get added to the list — clothing, sanitation, healthcare, education. I agree these are basic needs. Wouldn’t you? But, again, we accept that millions go without, and thus we fail to meet humanity’s fullest potential.

It isn’t enough to just get food…everyone should have access to healthy food. It really is unfair that only the wealthy can afford to eat safe, organic, unprocessed food. Food banks are great, but if the food is unhealthy and unsafe what good is it doing? It seems so wrong that food that has less ingredients, expients, sugars, preservatives, etc is more expensive.